Do not engage to find things as you think they are. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau I have climbed several higher mountains without guide or path, and have found, as might be expected, that it takes only more time and patience commonly than to travel the smoothest highway. Henry David Thoreau mountainmighttravel I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. . . . In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. Henry David Thoreau live-lifedreaminspirational Perchance, coming generations will not abide the dissolution of the globe, but, availing themselves of future inventions in aerial locomotion, and the navigation of space, the entire race may migrate from the earth, to settle some vacant and more western planet.... It took but little art, a simple application of natural laws, a canoe, a paddle, and a sail of matting, to people the isles of the Pacific, and a little more will people the shining isles of space. Do we not see in the firmament the lights carried along the shore by night, as Columbus did? Let us not despair or mutiny. Henry David Thoreau moonsimpleart I come to my solitary woodland walk as the homesick go home. Henry David Thoreau solitarynaturehome Write while the heat is in you. Henry David Thoreau great-writingheatwriting Birds do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in dovecots. Henry David Thoreau innocencecavesbird If one listens to the faintest but constant suggestions of his genius, which are certainly true, he sees not to what extremes, or even insanity, it may lead him; and yet that way, as he grows more resolute and faithful, his road lies. Henry David Thoreau futuredepressionlying I have a great deal of company in my house; especially in the morning, when nobody calls. Henry David Thoreau good-morninghousereality Live your life, do your work, then take your hat. Henry David Thoreau lifefunnydeath I say beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes. Henry David Thoreau clotheschangetruth It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man. Henry David Thoreau applestreemen Is the babe young? When I behold it, it seems more venerable than the oldest man. Henry David Thoreau babeliteraturemen As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution. Henry David Thoreau agreementsuccesslife There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. Henry David Thoreau arrogancenaturebees Our moments of inspiration are not lost though we have no particular poem to show for them; for those experiences have left an indelible impression, and we are ever and anon reminded of them. Henry David Thoreau inspirationlosingmemories The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time. Henry David Thoreau gentle-touchnaturetime Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still. Henry David Thoreau passionhypocrisylove I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark. Henry David Thoreau determinationsleepwriting Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it. Henry David Thoreau freedomstupidmind The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. Henry David Thoreau effective-listeninghumorfunny
